Readers are reluctant for a variety of reasons--it's difficult to read, it's boring, it's not cool. cool.
Struggling readers want their books to look like everyone else's.
If students are interested enough in a book, they will often work harder and take the time to read at a higher level.
Characteristics of quality materials for reluctant middle school readers
Must be high interest to that age group
Usually has less pages or less text
Sometimes includes graphics which help give visual clues
Must be a book that non-reluctant readers would also pick up
Issues or concerns
Librarians will need to be creative in getting books in reluctant readers' hands
Sometimes students will only read a book if they get their "Reading Counts" points (so librarians may need to purchase more tests or possibly create tests and convince teachers to allow students to use those tests as well)
Some students want funny, light-hearted books with simple problems. Others want the books that make their hearts ache. Some want adventure and fast-paced action. Finding good books for reluctant readers is one thing. Matching them up with the right readers is another.
NON-FICTION Non-fiction is a preferred choice of many adolescents. Those books will vary depending on interest.
This book guides readers through the culture and experience, the art and the mania of the skate worl. While skate boards are the main focus, interesting back stories about various skateboarding superstars are also included.
Sherman is Native American, lives on an Indian reservation, and has humorous insights on life. His parents send him to a "rich white school" off of the reservation, he has to not only deal with regular problems, but fitting in at the new school, being rejected by peers on the reservation.
The main character in this book struggles to find her place in a life of uncertainty. Many issues are tackled in this book such as foster care, homosexuality, jail, violence, and friendship.
This series of books revolve around African-American teenagers who attend Bluford High School. Each book has a different story, but they all involve various struggles of today's teens.
Cathy's Ring (and the rest of the Cathy's series) by Sean Stewart
This is the third book in the "Cathy's" trilogy and involves great suspense--such as being sought after by serial killers--as well as the regular life drama of a teen--relationships. The engaging part of this (and the other two) book is that there are clues in the book, doodles from Cathy, and a website where you can go to look up information as you try to help solve the mystery.
The popular Cirque Du Freak novel series is now in manga form! Darren is a normal kid until he goes to Cirque Du Freak and enters the world of vampires, werewolves, and other strange creatures. Darren's life is never the same.
In this on-going saga of male adolescence, Greg's summer plans are to stay inside and play video games. But his mother has other plans which include plenty of outdoors and -ugh!- family togetherness. This series helps readers laugh about the daily struggles of growing up, trying to become yourself, and trying to fit in. The child-like font and illustrations add to the visual appeal.
After an 18-month-old's family is killed, he wanders into the graveyard. This child is "adopted" by the spirits there and he grows up living in the graveyard learning about his strengths, limitations, and how to survive in the world of the graveyard--as well as outside of its gates.
T4 a novel by Ann Clare LeZotte
Paula, the main character in this book, writes her story in poetry. She is deaf when people with disabilities were to be sent to Hitler's Tiergartenstrasse 4. Her story is one of survival as she is hidden from the Nazis during this horrific time in history.
Cassie and Lea had not been friends for quite some time. That's why the night that Cassie kept calling Lea's cell phone, Lea ignored it. 33 times. Soon after, Lea learns that Cassie killed herself that night. Alone in a hotel. Could she have done something to prevent the death? Lea has struggles of her own this guilt adds to her daily struggle to exist. Some interesting formatting of text in this book and even a choice to leave one page completely blank at a key place add to the intensity and intrigue of this book.
Middle School Hi/Lo for Reluctant Readers
Characteristics of quality materials for reluctant middle school readers
Issues or concerns
NON-FICTION Non-fiction is a preferred choice of many adolescents. Those books will vary depending on interest.
One example:The Disposable Skateboard Bible by Sean Cliver
Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
After Tupac and D Fosterby Jacqueline Woodson 2008
Bluford High seriesby various authors
Cathy's Ring (and the rest of the Cathy's series) by Sean Stewart
Cirque Du Freak the Manga series
Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
T4 a novel by Ann Clare LeZotte
Paula, the main character in this book, writes her story in poetry. She is deaf when people with disabilities were to be sent to Hitler's Tiergartenstrasse 4. Her story is one of survival as she is hidden from the Nazis during this horrific time in history.
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson lexile 730